Dubai Duty Free is headed up by Irishman, Colm McLoughlin, who has been at the helm since the leading airport retailer was established in 1983. He comments: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby has become one of the premier races in the global calendar, with prize money of €1 million, making it Ireland’s richest race. This sponsorship helps raise the profile of Dubai and our operation, which is continuing to do well, and we expect our sales this year to reach sales of US$1.4 billion.”

This fabulous weekend also features a best dressed lady and a best dressed man competition. For more information and to buy tickets, visit curragh.ie.

To celebrate this great festival, we have teamed up with Dubai Duty Free to offer five lucky readers of The Irish Field the chance to win a pair of tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby next Saturday. To win answer the following question:

Q How many years has Dubai Duty Free been the title sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby?

Email your answer by next Tuesday, June 21st to fieldcomp@theirishfield.ie, giving your name, address, and contact phone number. One entry per person please. Enjoy a great day out.

THE Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation marks 25 years of assisting children across Ireland by serving up a series of special afternoon tea events this summer, generously supported by Glenveagh.

The charity will host a 25th anniversary afternoon tea in the bustling Killashee Hotel outside Naas next Thursday, June 23rd.

Guests

Priced at €40 per ticket, why not bring along friends or colleagues for a special afternoon tea and relax, enjoy some delicious treats and spend some quality time together, while supporting local Jack and Jill families.

Hayfield Manor, Cork on July 7th is another special date and the Loughrea Hotel on August 18th.

www.jackandjill.ie.

Toast to ‘Slippers’ and Áine

GOOD luck to jockeys Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden and Áine O’Connor who are getting married in Co Limerick today.

They will be toasted by everyone at the Point-to-Point Awards in Dunboyne Castle this evening.

SECURITY at Royal Ascot is never too intrusive but occasionally you’ll run into a ‘Jobsworth’ who refuses to use any discretion when it comes to enforcing the rules.

Sky Sports Racing presenter Alex Hammond had a spot of bother at the entrance one day this week when a search of her handbag revealed some contraband in the shape of a packet of Percy Pig jellies and a water bottle.

“No sweets or drinks allowed, madam,” the official chastised her while seizing the offending items. Quick as a flash, Alex snatched back her goodies and strode ahead, waving away the guard, saying: “These are my special dietary requirements!” The police were not called!